Braden River football beats Booker 42-7

Playing the second game of a potential four-games-in-nine-days stretch, the Braden River High football team didn't appear tired. 

In fact, the Pirates (6-1) had one of their best starts of the season against Booker High (3-8), scoring on their first four possessions, and ultimately rode that start to a 42-7 win. 

Braden River got four touchdown passes from junior quarterback Bryan Gagg, two to junior wideout Knowledge McDaniel, one to senior running back Deshaun Fenwick and one to sophomore tight end Travis Tobey. 

The Pirates defense held Booker senior quarterback Jermaine Ziegler to 68 yards passing, though Ziegler did find senior Talik Keaton for a touchdown late in the game. By then, Braden River had removed its starters from the game. 

It was the first time the Pirates have played on a Monday night, and Pirates coach Curt Bradley was glad to see his kids respond to the challenge. 

"We showed up today and treated it like a normal game day," Bradley said. "I was very pleased with how we started the football game, getting out to an early lead and putting this thing away."

Braden River will next play Saint Petersburg High Nov. 3, then may or may not complete its suspended game against Clearwater High on Nov. 4. Bradley said he would be in contact with Clearwater coaches this week to figure out if the game is necessary. The Pirates lead Clearwater 21-7 in that game.